5 Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best cot beds (try these guys out) for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that's secure and safe for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and choose the best cots uk one for your baby's needs.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they awake.
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who are small or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Look for a cot which meets the strict UK safety standard and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is found in the description of the product and the specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a bed. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some come with anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and locked securely.
A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present; this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall as this will restrict airflow tots and cots may contribute to death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer because they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.
When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose danger.
If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and follow all the directions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting in danger of being suffocated. It also features an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs beds and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.
If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements in baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.
Stores
Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when choosing a cot bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.
Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save money on an additional bed.
A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots and tots have a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great option when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.